A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Briscoe family of Ireland.
Reg. 0717 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a fesse sa. betw. two greyhounds courant of the second”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Briscoe Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Briscoe arms are recorded
The Briscoe arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Briscoe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Briscoe Family in Ireland
The surname Briscoe originates from the northern regions of England, specifically derived from the Old Norse words for "birch wood." Families bearing this name likely moved across the Irish Sea during the seventeenth century as part of the shifting political and social landscape of the British Isles. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Briscoe family were well-established in Dublin, where they integrated into the city’s growing administrative and merchant classes. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and colonial activity, and the Briscoes likely played a role in the urban development of the capital. Their presence in the city during such a turbulent era suggests they were part of a wider movement of families seeking new opportunities in Ireland. Over time, these early settlers helped shape the local community, leaving a lasting mark on the history of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bresc
A reference to the region of Bresse in France.
This name
BriscoeAn occupational or habitational name denoting someone who originated from the Bresse region.
also spelled
Bruscoe
Bruscow
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
